According to Reuters, prosecutors have recommended that the Department of Justice (DOJ) file federal criminal charges against Boeing for violating the terms of a 2021 settlement related to two fatal crashes. The US prosecutors suggested that the charges be brought against Boeing as they found the company to have breached the terms of the settlement agreement in May.
The settlement, which amounted to $2.5 billion, came after allegations that Boeing had defrauded the Federal Aviation Administration in connection to crashes in 2018 and 2019. The agreement deferred prosecution against Boeing but required the company to adhere to strict compliance regulations. However, after determining that Boeing had violated these terms, prosecutors are now suggesting criminal charges be pursued.
The DOJ has until July 7 to make a decision on whether to charge Boeing, despite the recommendation from prosecutors. The possibility remains that the existing settlement terms may be extended or new, stricter conditions may be proposed. Families of the 346 victims of the two crashes have called for Boeing to pay a fine of nearly $25 billion.
Representatives for Boeing and the DOJ have not yet commented on the situation, as per Business Insider’s request.